Most nations agree that reducing CO2 emissions worldwide is the best way to address climate change. Solutions for addressing this fact, however, are not so simple.

Indonesia, a country that relies heavily on its agriculture and forestry industries has been a leader in self-directed emissions reductions. It has served as an example of how even countries that depend heavily on these industries change their way of thinking and reduce their carbon footprint.

In 2009, Indonesia pledged a 26% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2020 and further 29% by 2030. To achieve its goal, Indonesia implemented policies protecting existing forests as well as establishing enough plants to create new forests and plantations.

In a study published in the journal Sustainability, IIASA researcher Tomoko Hasegawa showed that Indonesia’s plan has been effective. The study showed that Indonesia achieved a 58% total reduction in emissions from agriculture, forestry, and other land-use sectors. Although rising carbon prices may prevent Indonesia from fully realizing the 2020 goal, the country is still on track to meet its goal for 2030.

“It is imperative that countries around the globe act on reducing their carbon emission outputs. The future of our planet depends on it,” explains Hasegawa, author of the new study. “Indonesia is an excellent example of how measured action, particularly in non-energy sectors such as forestry and agriculture, can achieve the desired results.”